Increase training requirements to help save victims of human trafficking

Around the world, nearly 20.9 million people are enslaved in human trafficking (ILO, 2012). In the US, the Human Trafficking hotline receives approximately 100 calls per day reporting possible instances of trafficking (Polaris, 2017).

This issue is widespread and dangerous to many individuals within the US. Victims include children and adults and may suffer from mental and physical conditions while in trafficking and after escaping.

Recognizing the signs of trafficking can be crucial in interventions to stop trafficking and rescue victims. Some professions that are likely to come into contact with trafficking victims are: health care workers, first responders, those associated with travel such as airline employees, professionals working in or around homes such as utility service providers and educators. Although these are common professions that may be on contact with victims, there is a need for a general understanding and awareness of this issue.

Legislation exists for required training to specific fields, such as victim service providers and certain health care workers. However, federal legislation needs to be developed to address a more comprehensive training requirement to all facilities that provide direct services and have direct contact with customers/clients on a daily basis.

Implementing federal legislation for training requirements would increase awareness about how to identify possible instances of human trafficking and report this to the proper authorities.

Signing this page will show support for increased awareness and training within workplaces around the country to help fight human trafficking.